Lynn Public Schools outlines rollout of DESE's new IEP form, cites training and inclusion goals

Lynn Public Schools officials explained the district's rollout of a new Individualized Education Program (IEP) template issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), saying the district implemented the form in September and plans to update all student IEPs by June 2025.

The presentation emphasized family and student voice, a focus on the least restrictive environment and integrated transition planning for older students. The district's presenter said the revised form replaces the older, longer "key evaluations" section with clearer, family-friendly present-level descriptions across academics, behavior, social-emotional and related services.

"The goal of the IEP project ... was to improve outcomes for all students with disabilities by providing guidance, technical assistance, and tools on equitable processes," the presenter said, adding the new form embeds transition planning and uses translation through the district's EdPlan software so families receive IEPs and progress reports in their native language.

District staff said implementation work included multiple professional-development sessions for special-education teachers, team chairs and school administrators during the prior year and summer, and that the district's internal supports (assistant directors, program specialists and consultants) took part in training and rollout. The presenter said compliance stood at about 92% as of Jan. 3, 2025.

Committee members asked about inclusion rates, early-childhood outcomes and supports for positive social-emotional skills. A member cited a district figure that about 59.5% of Lynn students with IEPs spend 80% or more of the school day in general-education classrooms and compared it with a state average cited in the meeting of 67.2%.

In response, the presenter described targeted professional development in universal design for learning (UDL) and co-teaching, an inclusion-focused PD session for principals, and the intent to identify and use in-district teachers who are already successfully co-teaching to lead peer training. The district also noted four elementary schools participating in a DESE social-emotional behavior academy and said other schools can access webinars and supports.

On early childhood, the presenter said the district expects benefits from consolidating scattered preschool programs into an early childhood center on Bennett Street, giving staff the flexibility to move students between program types as needs change.

Committee members also raised funding questions. The presenter said a DESE entitlement grant for IEP professional development was about $108,000 (figure described in the meeting as approximate) and reported that circuit-breaker reimbursements increased between fiscal years by $1,296,755 (figures were given in the presentation materials). The presenter said more precise grant totals would be provided when available.

No formal committee action was taken on the IEP presentation; members received the report and asked for follow-up details on staffing, funding and screening processes.

The district said continuing work will include updating remaining IEPs through the school year, maintaining training for new staff, and awaiting the next round of DESE grant funding to support implementation.